2:18 2:18

2 Peter 2:19

2:20 2:20

Bible Versions

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
While they promise {G1861} them {G846} liberty {G1657}, they themselves {G846} are {G5225} the servants {G1401} of corruption {G5356}: for {G1063} of whom {G3739} a man {G5100} is overcome {G2274},{G2532} of the same {G5129} is he brought in bondage {G1402}.
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for a person is slave to whatever has defeated him.
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.

Context

Second Peter chapter 2 serves as a stark warning against false teachers who infiltrate the church, much like the false prophets of the Old Testament. In 2 Peter 2:1, Peter introduces these destructive forces, describing their insidious methods and the severe judgment awaiting them. Verse 19 specifically exposes one of their primary deceptions: promising "liberty" while themselves being enslaved. This verse highlights the hypocrisy and the ultimate futility of their message, setting the stage for Peter's continued exhortation to steadfastness in true faith.

Key Themes

  • False Promise vs. True Reality: The verse vividly contrasts the deceptive "liberty" these false teachers offer with the grim reality of their own "servitude of corruption." They entice followers with the allure of freedom from moral restraints or perceived legalistic burdens, yet their path leads only to deeper spiritual bondage.
  • Bondage to Sin: The core message is encapsulated in the principle: "for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." This means that whatever sin or worldly desire conquers an individual ultimately enslaves them. True freedom is not found in moral license, but in liberation from the power of sin. This echoes the concept of being a servant of sin, as taught by Jesus.
  • Spiritual Deception: The passage underscores the danger of spiritual deception, where appealing rhetoric masks a destructive agenda. These teachers, though outwardly charismatic, are driven by their own corrupt desires, leading others astray into the same slavery they experience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "servants of corruption" uses the Greek word douloi (δοῦλοι), meaning "slaves," emphasizing a complete and involuntary subjugation, not merely a voluntary service. The term "corruption" comes from phthora (φθορά), which denotes decay, ruin, or moral depravity. It paints a picture of a decaying state of being. The "liberty" they promise is eleutheria (ἐλευθερία), which typically refers to freedom, but in this context, it is a false, unrestrained license that ironically leads to the opposite of true freedom.

Practical Application

Verse 19 serves as an enduring warning for believers today to exercise discernment. We must critically evaluate voices that promise "freedom" outside of God's revealed truth, especially if that freedom seems to endorse moral laxity or a departure from biblical standards. True Christian liberty is not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin's dominion and its consequences. It is found in submission to Christ, whose truth sets us truly free (John 8:36). This verse calls us to examine our own lives: what are we being "overcome" by? For whatever it is, that is what will ultimately bring us into bondage.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 8:34

    Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

  • Romans 6:16

    Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

  • Romans 6:22

    But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

  • Galatians 5:13

    ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

  • 1 Peter 2:16

    As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

  • Galatians 5:1

    ¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
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